WINNO'S WINNERS: HAPPY VALLEY, THE LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS CHAMPIONSHIP 2020

By Darren Winningham | Wednesday, December 9, 2020

The Hong Kong Jockey Club … Wednesday night … Happy Valley … the Longines International Jockeys Championship (IJC). The place to be! Whilst WINNO and HRO are not in Hong Kong for the 2020 Longines International races we will be covering the meetings.

The jockeys participating in this year’s IJC series are: Alexis Badel (Hong Kong), Mickael Barzalona (France), Pierre-Charles Boudot (France), William Buick (Great Britain), Neil Callan (Hong Kong), Hollie Doyle (Great Britain), Vincent Ho (Hong Kong), Tom Marquand (Great Britain), Ryan Moore (Great Britain), Joao Moreira (Hong Kong) and Zac Purton (Hong Kong) – but I think we will claim him as the Aussie representative as we have no one going there from here this year!

The selection process … the allocation of rides … has been changed for 2020.

While IJC rides have traditionally been allocated completely randomly – considering weight restrictions – the Jockey Club changed the way it distributed horses this year.

The new system uses the expertise of the Jockey Challenge fixed-odds team to price each event and give every rider an equal chance across the four races – a move that looks to have made for a much more even competition.

On reviewing the rides that have been allocated it seems that Zac Purton representing Hong Kong - but I will say again with the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 he has a dual representation representing Australia as well - has faired well. In the past two years Purton has been poorly placed after the allocated rides. Purton did win the IJC in 2017 and he looks well placed to be competitive in 2020.

The 2019 IJC Champion jockey was Karis Teetan – he is looking to become only the third rider in the history of the event to defend their IJC crown. Previously this has only been achieved by Douglas Whyte and Ryan Moore.

Last year Teetan had a superb book of rides and looked the winner on paper. Despite the pressure he managed to claim the IJC title and in doing so pocket HK$500,000 and the prestigious accolades that go with the title.

In the early markets for the 2020 IJC feature event Ryan Moore and Hollie Doyle, both representing Great Britain are the equal early favourites, but history has shown that the favourites do not always fare well in this event.

Now if we were permitted to travel overseas the Happy Valley track is one of the wonders of horse racing venues! Located on Hong Kong island in amongst skyscrapers, financial working buildings and has sporting facilities in the middle of it – it is an amazing and unique venue! If we ever get a vaccine and can travel again soon – you must visit this glorious facility maintained by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Race 1

A Class 5 race to start off the program – these are always tough.

Looks like Joao “The Magic Man” Moriera has a nice mount here to start off the night at Happy Valley. The only drama is that he has drawn barrier 12 and he will need some of his “magic” not to get caught three or four wide from out there. This runner normally jumps cleanly and takes up a forward position that is always an advantage here at this tight turning track that favours on pace runners.

Run The Table (2) is a Zac Purton ride. This runner has been working well in Class 4 races and has dropped back to Class 5. Last run he stepped up to the 1650 meters here and was working home nicely late in the race with Purton aboard. Look for an improved effort this week.

Shanghai Dragon (3) led last start at Sha Tin and was run down late. A repeat of that performance here from barrier 6 should see him right in the finish late. Tony Piccone rides for trainer T Yung. This gelding is third up this preparation and has improved with every run – he could be one at odds to knock out the loyal followers of Moreira and Purton here in the first race.

Selections:

6 – Baby Storm
2 – Run The Table
3 – Shanghai Dragon
1 – Roman Impero
Rough chance – (11) Fairy Floss

Race 2

A sprint over 1200 metres at Class 5 level again.

The top weight here Noble Desire (1) has drawn the rails and has Karis Teetan in the saddle for Douglas Whyte. This runner is a massive weight to carry and that is my only concern. If jumps cleanly and takes up a position in behind the speed and gets out in the straight he represents great value in the race.

The Abraxas (7) has apprentice Jack Wong aboard and gets 1.5 kilograms off. That should assist him here in this race drawn in the middle of the field in barrier 7. Forget the last start when he drew barrier 12 and was forced to go forward and just run out of steam late. He will strip better for that effort and will give them something to catch here.

Purton rides Speedy Optimist (5) for C Yip. This is his third run up from a spell and last start here he raced over 1000 metres and was flashing home late. 1200 metres this start – barrier 3 he looks a nice way to get some money in the bank early in this program.

One Step Ahead (10) will be ridden by Hollie Doyle for Paul O’Sullivan. Third up here this preparation and drawn nicely – may just fill a place.

Selections:

5 – Speedy Optimist
7 – The Abraxas
10 – One Step Ahead
1 – Noble Desire
Rough chance – (4) Ka Fortune

Race 3

Another race over 1650 metres – this time at the Class 4 level.

Fast Pace (4) won here last time over the track and distance in a good time. It was a solid performance with Neil Callan riding for Casper Fownes. I always like to back Fownes’ horses here at Happy Valley as they just seem to thrive at this track.

Incanto Prepared (5) ran a close second to Fast Pace (4) last start. This runner is trained by veteran Hong Kong trainer John Size and will be again partnered by Joao Moreira. Look, the truth is that this runner gets back in his races and needs speed on and a lot of luck to win. But they normally do go hard here – he has drawn barrier 2 and if they peel off the rails and Moreira can sneak a pathway along the rails home, he could win this.

Zhang Jiang Rocks (1) raced well here and was a gallant second last start with Zac Purton aboard. He remains in the saddle and they have drawn better this start in barrier 6. He probably gets ridden 3 pairs back off the speed and he has won here at the course and journey so must be respected.

Shanghai Grace (8) was ridden on the speed here last start and was only run down late. Chad Schofield takes the mount here for trainer Y Tsui. He represents great each way value in this field.

Selections:

4 – Fast Pace
5 – Incanto Prepared
1 – Zhang Jiang Rocks
8 – Shanghai Grace
Rough chance – (3) Charity Wings & (6) Bulletproof

Race 4 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (First Leg)

The first leg of our International races on the program - sponsored by LONGINES – long term sponsors and supporters of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The jockeys will need some luck here – this race is over 1000 metres.

David Hall trains Oversubscribed (12) with last year’s defending Champion Karis Teetan aboard. This runner is fresh – third up – drawn well in barrier 4 and will enjoy the light weight on his back. He will be right in this for a long way.

Young Victory (6) has had only the one start in Hong Kong and looked impressive at Sha Tin. He gets his first look at the Happy Valley track and sometimes this can bring them unstuck. I just think he had a fair bit of improvement in him after that first effort back on 24 October. He has had a solid trial recently that would make me think that he will be hard to toss here. The Frenchman Michael Barzalona rides here.

It is kind of ironic that the champion British rider and previous multiple winner of the Longines International Jockey Championship Ryan Moore has the ride on Packing Champion (5). This gelding is trained by Peter Ho and I thought showed he had some ability when he made his debut at this track three weeks ago. Prior to that he had plenty of work to get him ready. He drew wide that night in barrier 9 and was forced to race wide and, to be fair, was probably permitted to run out of steam late. This week he has drawn barrier 1 and I think will be fitter for that hit out.

Jazz Steed (2) will be partnered by Pierre-Charles Boudot for Casper Fownes. Has a solid enough record here at the Valley with 11 career starts with 2 wins and 3 placings. He gets back midfield normally in his races and despite drawing barrier 10 should work nicely into the race late.

Selections:

5 – Packing Champion
2 – Jazz Steed
6 – Young Victory
12 – Oversubscribed
Rough chance – (10) Travel Datuk

Race 5 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Second Leg)

The second leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1650 metres.

I like the chances of the Casper Fownes runner here – Nunchuks (8). Last start was drawn off the track in barrier 12 and was used up and crossed the field and ran a strong race over the same distance. This week he is drawn barrier 2 – should jump out and sit handy in behind the leaders. I think he will be too strong in the final stages. He will be ridden by the British rider Tom Marquand.

Royal Racer (3) is the stable mate – to be steered by Moreira. This runner is a last start winner here at the track in solid time when he was ridden quiet and stormed home late. He will adopt the same tactics here and may need a touch of luck. It could well be a Fownes 1 – 2 in the race!

Play Wise (4) has been a runner up here in his past four starts – maybe the magical hands of Ryan Moore can change his fortunes here on this big night!

Regency Master (1) loves this track and, despite the huge weight, his runs have been solid this preparation. William Buick looks to post some points if he can get him into the top three placings.

Selections:

8 – Nunchuks
3 – Royal Racer
4 – Play Wise
1 – Regency Master
Rough chances – (5) Fearless Fire & (12) Anonyma

Race 6

A sprint race over 1200 metres. Just a short intermission in the International races!

Another nice ride here for Hong Kong’s premier rider Zac Purton when he partners with Inno Legend (7) for the Man stables. This runner is only lightly raced and has had all his races at Sha Tin. His times on that track would see him win this race by a length. So, if he turns up and handles the Happy Valley track, he should be winning.

Here Comes Ted (2) will be ridden by Ryan Moore. He is trained by David Ferraris and in six starts at the Valley he has only been out of the money once. Plus, both his career wins have occurred here. Loves the track – just drawn wide and may need some luck from out there.

Supreme Plus (8) sounds like a pizza with extras rather than a racehorse! This is a Frankie Lor trained runner who has had his runs spaced – both his career wins are at this track. Vincent Ho rides.

Selections:

7 – Inno Legend
2 – Here Comes Ted
8 – Supreme Plus
12 – Noble Man
Rough chance – (10) Wins All

Race 7 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Third Leg)

The third leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1650 metres.

This is incredibly open.

The top weight must carry some weight here – Reel Bizzy (1) for trainer C Shum for the Frenchman - Pierre-Charles Boudot. His last two starts he has finished second here – maybe the weight is the real issue.

With that in mind Smiling City (12) from Douglas Whyte stables with Joao Moreira to ride gets in with 52.5 kilograms. He is ideally weighted here in this race. From barrier 5 look for him to be prominent in the running throughout. He has a solid sprint and with Moreira aboard may just win the race.

Jolly Honour (4) will be ridden by Ryan Moore. Has a better draw this week so this may assist his chances.

Gift Of Lifeline (8) gets back generally in his races. Zac Purton to ride here – he may need some luck, however, there is some solid speed in the race that should see this runner launching wide down the outside when the whips are cracking.

Selections:

1 – Reel Bizzy
12 – Smiling City
4 – Jolly Honour
8 – Gift Of Lifeline
Rough chance – (3) Surrealism

Race 8 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Final Leg)

The last leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1200 metres.

By my calculations it should be now between Pierre-Charles Boudot (France), Ryan Moore (Britain) and Joao Moreira (Hong Kong) to fight out the 2020 Longines IJC title. No quarter will be given here in the last leg!

The David Hayes trained Harmony N Blessed (12) made a wonderful debut and a huge impression on debut at Sha Tin with a slashing time. Up in grade down in weight, with the British talent Hollie Doyle to ride, looks like it will be truly short in this race. BUT can this runner get around Happy Valley in a genuine race. He has won two slashing trials here, so the question has just probably been answered.

I have gone for some value in Flying Bonus (6) who will race on the speed – drawn well in barrier 3 and has the services of Australia’s sorry Hong Kong’s Zac Purton. This runner gets in well at the weights and I think he may just cause an upset here in the final leg.

Grateful Heart (2) has been very consistent with two consecutive wins here over the distance. Both times racing near the lead. It looks like the handicapper may have caught up with him with the weight he must carry. Then again, winning form is great form, and he will be in this race for a long way – Ryan Moore has the ride. If he runs in the first three, he should win the Championship!

Wind N Grass (4) can race well here – just drawn barrier 12 – may be a tough ask from out there.

Selections:

6 – Flying Bonus
12 – Harmony N Blessed
2 – Grateful Heart
4 – Wind N Grass

Race 9

The last race – hopefully we have some money in the pockets to bet up on the feature races on Sunday – LONGINES INTERNATIONAL RACE DAY.

The last race is over 1800 metres.

I have gone down the bottom of the field here – probably to my peril.

Packing Waltham (10) is trained by Tony Cruz and will be ridden by Vagner Borges. This runner does get back in the field and does fly home late – so if they go fast up in front and he can get some luck coming into the straight with this light weight he could win this race.

The other runner I like is Tianchi Monster (9) to be ridden by Anthony Hamelin. This gelding was solid last start at Sha Tin – maybe he can replicate that form here.
The two class runners are the top two – Butterfield (1) and Savvy Nine (2).

Both have solid form in the Group 3 Ladies’ Purse that was won by Furore. That is splendid form for this race.
Butterfield (1) will be ridden by Zac Purton and Savvy Nine (2) by Ryan Moore – these runners will be well supported in the markets with these two jockeys on board.

Selections:

10 – Packing Waltham
9 – Tianchi Monster
2 – Savvy Nine
1 – Butterfield
Rough chance – (4) Green Luck
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Jockey’s Challenge

I think that Ryan Moore may just pip the Frenchman Pierre-Charles Boudot.

Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 only)

1,5,7,10 / 1,4,5,8 / 2,5,6,12 / 1,3,4,8 - cost is $256 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

5,7 / 4,5 / 2,5,6 / 3,4,8 - cost is $36 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,7,8,12 / 1,4,8,12 / 2,6,12 /1,2,9,10 - cost is $192 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,7 / 1,4,12 / 6,12 / 2,9,10 - cost is $36 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,4,8,12 / 2,6,12 / 1,2,9,10 - cost is $48 to $1

WINNO V CAMPO

I will see if resident Hong Kong man Adam Campton puts his selections up on his Facebook. If he does, I think I may just have to take him on! Take note of his tips as he normally is not too far off the mark – plus he has the local knowledge with WINNO stuck in Queensland! If I was in Hong Kong, I am sure he would buy me a drink!